Railroad Canyon (Gila NF)

Contact Leader(s): Jenny Blackmore, j.blackmore@nmvfo.org with any questions.

RESULTS: Over the course of four days NMVFO partnered with the NM Back Country Horsemen, Gila Chapter, to remove hundreds of downed trees, brush back over 4 miles of trail, re-bench and improve tread along 2 miles of trail, and build 16 cairns on the Gallinas and East Railroad Canyon trails near Emory Pass in the Gila.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Come join NMVFO and the Gila chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of NM as we partner to maintain some trails on the west side of Emory Pass in the Gila. Trails will include Railroad Canyon, Gallinas Canyon, and East Railroad Canyon. This is a car-camping project with a fair amount of hiking each day, including one day where volunteers (any who choose to) will hike 3-plus miles one way to the work site, with significant elevation gain. Tasks will include re-benching trail and some brushwork. All tools will be provided. USFS rules require us to wear heavy boots, long pants, long sleeves, hard hats (provided) and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please also bring a large daypack to carry lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full-day’s supply of water.

We will meet at 1:00 PM on Wednesday May 19th at the Iron Creek Campground near Emory Pass, which is also where we will camp. Please arrive at the campground in plenty of time to get set up and settled in before we “circle up” (the project leader will be there to greet you and point out sites). Volunteers will need to provide their own camping gear, including tent, sleeping bag and pad, camp chair, headlamp, etc, plus a cooler/beverages if desired. Breakfasts and dinners will be provided; volunteers will supply their own lunches and snacks. Please bring your own plate, bowl, utensils, and coffee mug. There is room at the campground for small trailers. There are pit toilets but no potable water, so please bring as much of your own water as possible. The cooks and project leader will also bring several containers, as well as filters to take water from the creek.

As a reminder, pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.

If you’d like to join us, please sign up below by Tuesday May 11th. See you there!

Difficulty: 2 Pulaskis

Group Size: 15

For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at our Volunteer FAQ’s, or email the project leader.